I just read your blog and really enjoyed it. thanks for sharing so much details, the good and the less that good! It's a great philosophy you have that things don't have to be perfect to be a great holiday.
I have only just started looking at Disney Cruises and yours was one of the first trip report I have read so I found it really informative right from the logistics of getting on board, to there being a formal night for dinner (huh did not know or expect that!) to the private tours when at port.
We are considering two cruises next year. One 7 night on the Fantasy - the same itinerary that your family did, as well as a 4 night cruise on the Magic. Why 2 you ask (or some might just say why not!), well DS(11) is a massive fan of Marvel Avengers and as such has done nothing but talk about Avengers Assemble Academy. When we found out there were only 4 or 5 night cruise on the Magic for the time of year we want (Dec 2015) we had to tell him that we were better off doing a longer cruise on the Fantasy. Though disappointed he took it in his stride and has been helping with the planning. We then thought we might be able to do a second cruise. We are planning to be cruising over Christmas day so now we are just trying to decide which ship would be better to be on for the Christmas cruise. being on Magic over christmas is more economical as we can then do the Fantasy Cruise earlier in Dec when it is less $$ rathe than the much higher christmas prices. While budget is important its not the sole decider.
Your blog has certainly given me some food for thought, so thanks again for sharing.
